So I'm 2.5 weeks post op and don't return to work for another week and a half. I'm having coffee with my boss on Friday just to check in (I really like her). I decided before I go out to eat anywhere, I will check the menu online first so I know what I am going to order and I don't have to take all day counting calories and looking for the best protien options. It's a great time saver because I have always been the one that takes forever to figure out what I want to order. Anyway, I notice that my daily latte was 580 calories! Wow! One drink was almost the total amount of calories that I consume in a day now. I am so disgusted! Anyone else find crazy calorie amounts from their old favorites?

Wait until you are further out!! It really is a trip to see what others eat and realize "WOW!! I would eat that and MORE!" It is liberating in a way. This journey definatley is an eye opener and makes you more accountable for what you put in your body. You really start to question if those food choices are really worth it now. Welcome to the club!

I do the same thing -- I check the nutritional value of menus online before going out or suggesting places to meet. I am shocked by what I used to eat (and know for sure how I got to be in the shape I was in). Now those things don't even sound good to me. I love knowing what I am going to order and thrilled that I can participate in life and sociaize with friends while still supporting my goals. So empowering!

Yes, we have a portion and taste problem here in the US! Internationally, I used to laugh at serving sizes being so small down to the tiny-child glasses for juice or soda. But the food was so FLAVORFUL! Now I truly see portions for what they are -- TOO MUCH for anyone! Even sugary caffeinated drinks, why would anyone ever need more than a small (tall) size? There is this psychological notion that we NEED the caffeine to get through the day, when really it's just a bad cycle of getting a quick sugar rush then a crash thinking we need more.

Mexican food used to be one of my favorite meals, now not so much. It's because what I loved were the carbs. The giant amount of lard-cooked refried beans, oil-soaked Spanish rice, mounds of guacamole (good fat, but highly caloric), fried tortilla chip, sour cream, and the refined-flour-tortilla burrito with cheese sauce. Butter, cream, oil: Oh my!!